The group tried to win the support of nearly 10,000 people who attended the event, mostly JIL-HK members, by promising to crack down on corruption in government.

In his speech, Villanueva pledged that his administration would give utmost priority to the interest of overseas Filipino workers or OFWs. He said that if elected, he will sign an executive order to create a special action center for OFWs on the very first day he assumes office. The center, he said will cater to all the problems encountered by OFWs around the world.

Villanueva added that he would issue a marching order to all embassies and consulate to provide full protection to OFWs stressing that employment contracts must be reviewed. Those who won't comply with this order will be fired after due process.

As for returning OFWs, they would receive VIP welcome upon their arrival. He said 100 buses will be stationed at the airports to shuttle balikbayans to their destination.

During the first one hundred days, Villanueva vowed to wipe out the apparatus of corruption and use the budget for massive economic reform instead.

His government would set up regional economic growth center to strengthen small and medium enterprises. Apart from that, a cooperative bank will be put up to extend loan for farmers and fishermen with minimal interest.

Villanueva stressed that the Philippines needs righteous leaders and he pleaded for the people to vote according to their conscience in order to attain this.

Before wrapping up, Villanueva also addressed his detractors. "Those of you who are opposing the prophetic agenda of heaven will have no memorial and historical rights in the new Philippines," he warned.

He then reminded the audience to be vigilant in the coming election.

His running-mate did an unexpected gesture when he took the stage next. Yasay issued a public apology to ousted president Joseph Estrada, who is also now running for the top post, saying he was acting on instructions by the Holy Spirit.

Yasay, who was an official of the Securities and Exchange Commission during Estrada's term, acted as a key witness in the impeachment trial of the former actor and president.

"Kung hindi dahil sa akin, hindi sana naluklok sa tungkulin ang kasalukuyang pangulo. Kaya humihingi po ako ng kapatawaran sa inyong lahat," (If it were not for me, the incumbent president would not have taken power, so I ask forgiveness from everyone), said Yasay.

The seven senatoriables also did their part in courting the support of the crowd.

Ocampo made a symbolic gesture by turning the Philippine flag red-side up as a sign that he was declaring war against poverty. He promised that if he gets lucky in the coming election, he would push to alleviate the poverty and injustices.

As for Nikabulin, one of the two Muslim in the slate, he said the Lord has already decided that Villanueva will assume office as president in June. Virgines and Alonto echoed his declaration.

Bro Eddie vows to keep separation of church, state

Presidential candidate Eddie Villanueva has sought to assure Filipino voters that there will "never be any violations" of the basic Constitutional principles of separation of church and state under his administration if he wins in the national elections this May.

Villanueva, who heads the influential Jesus is Lord church, was speaking at a press conference at the Marco Polo Prince Hotel in Kowloon on Feb. 21.

With him was his Bangon Pilipinas running mate Perfecto Yasay and the party's entire senatorial slate.

"Ang nakalulungkot, pinapayagan natin sa atin systema ang mga (What's sad, is that we allow) actors, actresses, smuggling lords, gambling lords, etc to run for public office prohibiting good Filipinos who believe in God and who want to practice righteousness, honesty and integrity in public service simply because there is a separation of Church and state. That is, I would say, an extortion of the spirit of the Constitution on [the] so-called `separation of church and state', "said Villanueva.

He agrees that the government should never use public funds in the promotion of one particular religion, and is prohibited from establishing a state religion. "We don't care about religion. Our common denominator is passionate love for justice and righteousness in the society because it's very clear. We have to govern (the) country," he said. _ Jan R. Yumul